Developers Aim For Big Target At Villages Site

Lady Lake Commissioners Pass Several Development Initiatives That Could Make The Store A Reality.

July 7, 2004|By Lisa Emmerich, Sentinel Staff Writer

LADY LAKE -- Commissioners approved several development initiatives Tuesday that could clear the way for Target to come to town.

The 134,000-square-foot discount store and surrounding businesses would help complete The Villages' Lake County commercial center, said Brent Sembler, one of the project's developers. The shopping center would be at the southwest corner of U.S. Highway 27/441 and Rolling Acres Road and would include restaurants and businesses such as pet- and office-supply shops.

"You're bringing one of the hottest discount retailers in the country to the area," said Sembler, vice chairman of Sembler Co. "That's where I take the kids for back-to-school stuff. That's where I buy my jeans and my work stuff. I think it will be a wonderful addition to the community."

Sembler said it's important to give Villages residents golf-cart access to the stores because potential retailers like the idea and residents expect it. He said the center would feature Spanish-style buildings like those that line Main Street.

Sembler Co.'s Web site projects the center's opening for fall 2005.

Town Manager Bill Vance said the project is still in the beginning stages, but he is optimistic about the prospect of brining the retail giant to Lady Lake.

Vance said there was "nothing negative yet" about the Target project, although he said developers would have to address "responsible development issues."

But some residents said they are uneasy about the project. Linda Elieff, whose house would back up to the new commercial property, listed five concerns she shares with her neighbors: noise, traffic, security, lighting and drainage.

"The Villages is so big and powerful and has a lot of money," Elieff said. "I think sometimes they lose sight of people who bought their homes in a retirement community and do not wish to be part of a commercial area."

Sembler said company officials met with two groups of Villages residents to address those concerns. He said developers would work to make residents happy.

Several pieces of the development puzzle were approved Tuesday. They include:

A rezoning ordinance that changes 17.7 acres from agricultural to heavy commercial.

A proposed change to add 32.4 acres to the Tri-County Villages Development of Regional Impact.

A resolution to vacate the town's portion of Oak Meadows Lane. The Villages plans to close its portion of the road to make way for drainage from the shopping center.

Commissioners turned down a request from The Villages' center district to provide water and sewer to the property, choosing instead for the town to provide those services.